Judaism key terms

Philosophy & ethics

Abraham

The first Jew, the founder of Judaism. He is believed to be the ancestor of the Jewish people

Bar Mitzvah

Son of the commandment. A boy who reaches adulthood at 13 years old. This is marked by a synagouge ceremony and family celebration

Bat Mitzvah

Daughter of the commandment. A girl who reaches adulthood at 12 years old. This is marked by a synagouge ceremony and family celebration

Brit Milah

Circumcision - removal of the foreskin of the penis on the eight day after birth. It is a sign of the commandment

Covenant

A solenm and binding promise btween 2 parties. Covenants were made between God with Noah, Abraham and Moses

Magen David

Sheild of David, populary called the Star of David. A six pointed star which has become the symbol of Judaism. Its exact origin is unknown

Mezuzah

Literally means ‘door post', a scroll enclosed in a case that is placed on the right hand doorpost of every room in a Jewish home - except the bathroom and toilet

Moses

An important prophet who led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt, He gave the Hebrews the 10 commandments from God

Pesach

A jewish festival called passover or the feast of unleavened bread. This festival commemorates the Exodus from Egypt

Promised Land

The land of Canaan, promised to Abraham and his descendants by God, know as Isreal today

Talmud

A collection of Jewish law and tradition; Mishnah and Gemara collected together. Study of the Talmud is an important religious duty for Orthodox Jewish men

Tefillin

Small leather boxes containing passages from the Torah strapped on the forehead and arm for weekday, morning prayers

Tenakh

The Jewish sacred text comprising of 3 sections. Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim